NEWS 7 ON A ROLL: Beachport’s recreational boat ramp rock wall extension work continues. Picture: FRED SMITH Extension on track Boatramp rockwall work continues at Beachport J.L. “FRED” SMITH THE extension of the rockwall at the Beachport recreational boat ramp is expected to reach completion by the October 31 deadline. Wattle Range Council engineering manager Peter Halton praised the work of Beachport volunteers helping the contractor place rocks in the water for the $700,000 project. “The contractor is well ahead of the works program,” Mr Halton said. “There have been some stops and starts due to the heavy weather and the swell conditions.” Councillor Peter Dunnicliff, who operates a business at Beachport, has closely observed the volunteers at work and also acknowledged their efforts. The 2014/15 season for recreational and commercial lobster fi shing starts on October 1. The State Government has committed to a $350,000 conditional grant for the project. The project was delayed by several months as members of the Beachport Beach Care Group appealed against the extension to the Environment Resources and Development Court. Wind farm operator opposes target cuts THE Lake Bonney wind farm operator has lashed out over major Federal Government cuts to the Renewable Energy Target Scheme. Infi gen Energy owns 112 turbines along the Woakwine Range and is also the developer of the proposed Woakwine wind farm, which has had planning approval for the past two years for a further 124 wind turbines. Infi gen managing director Miles George said the Federal Government’s independent review panel found the Renewable Energy Target Scheme helped reduce power bills for electricity consumers over the medium term. He said the Federal Government seemed intent on sending a message to Australian and global investors that their money, time and effort were unwelcome and not safe under the Coalition government. “It totally contradicts the need for confi dence in governments espoused at the World Economic Forum,” Mr George said. “The cost of doing business in Australia has just gone up. “Such an approach shows a lack of appreciation of the sovereign risk aspect of changes to legislation, which affect long-term infrastructure assets.” He said Infi gen Energy’s shareholder base of over 20,000 investors had invested in renewable energy in Australia on the basis of a fi xed target of 41,000 GWh by 2020. “This is no different to investors in private and public partnerships acquiring a toll road concession or port lease,” he said. “If the Federal Government pulls the rug from under existing investments in renewable energy, don’t expect investors to come back to buy other infrastructure assets in this country.” Planning approval for the Woakwine wind farm was granted in mid-2012, but the developer has since been awaiting a favourable investment climate before the project can proceed. www.thesoutheasterntimes.com.au The South Eastern Times, Thursday, August 21, 2014 - 7 TANTANOOLA PRIMARY & PRE SCHOOL is now accepting enrolments for 2015 Phone 8734 4180 654264